Please help me find a dress for evening do

[shivermytimbers]

I'm due to attend a family function next month. Big evening do in a country house for a very nice, elderly family member. Some not very nice ILs will also be there who have always looked down their noses at me. I've recently had DC3, am past 40, have bingo wings, mum tum and am a pear shaped size 12. I know I shouldn't give a crap what these people think but would love to get something I'll feel confident and stylish in. Thanks!

[butterfly990]

I really like the look of this dress teamed with a cardi or shrug.
www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/wolf-whistle-ombre-rose-midi-length-prom-dress/yn069/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=4402#colour:Multi,size:12

[Astro55]

What's your coloring? Do you have boobs? Height?

Are you looking for floor length or shorter?

[NewPantsforaNewYear]

What's you budget?
I'd wear something like this with opaques and heeled ankle boots

[NewPantsforaNewYear]

I like this one but can't quite tell how flattering it would be across the stomach. It probably depends where the seam falls.

[shivermytimbers]

Ooh, thanks! You lot are good.
Newpants - I really like your first suggestion. That's the sort of price I was thinking (could go slightly more, to maybe £80ish) and I like the fact it has sleeves and would cover the droopy tum.
Astro - I'm fairly flat chested, light brown hair and pale skin.
Butterfly - I liked the colours and cut in your suggestion but think I need a bit of a sleeve.

[NewPantsforaNewYear]

Really mixed reviews on this one from La Redoute but it looks lovely.

Lace skater

[NewPantsforaNewYear]

Too short?

Flute sleeve shift

[WhatchaMaCalllit]

Would something like this be suitable do you think?

[WhatchaMaCalllit]

This one certainly has the WOW! factor!

[tigerdog]

What about this: m.boden.co.uk/en-gb/clearance/womens-dresses/printed-dresses/ww104/womens-kelly-dress

They have the green pattern in a 12. More useful as you could wear dressed down or up, and just a bit more simple and stylish I think. I'm not a particular fan of Boden but have had the odd piece in the sales and been pleased with it.

[NewPantsforaNewYear]

Quite retro

[NewPantsforaNewYear]

Sheer sleeves

[Astro55]

Love the Boden in the black!!

[butterfly990]

uk.monsoon.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/mon_1,mon_1.2/2401861008

www.tedbaker.com/uk/Womens/Sale/Clothing/Dresses/CAMARI-Citrus-Bloom-mesh-dress-Pink/p/129851-54-PINK?plpSlots=1

[altkat]

I know you'd prefer a sleeve, but you could drape a black shall over this:

www.joythestore.com/louche-luxe-chance-rose-off-the-shoulder-dress

Or this is rather elegant what with the lower back, but you'd need to be taller than me:

www.joythestore.com/joy-plisse-dress-black

[WhatchaMaCalllit]

Any thoughts on the suggestions so far OP?

[shivermytimbers]

Sorry - didn't check in for a couple of days! Thank you all for the brilliant suggestions - loved the look of the Ted Baker and also the Boden. Anyway, inspired by your ideas I've been shopping today and found a dress in John Lewis' sale very similar to Newpants suggestion and have ordered some black ankle boots with a heel to go with. I really appreciate everyone's input. It made something I was quite daunted by really fun and has given my lots of ideas for more shopping (mwah haha 😎). Thankyou!!!